Harsh lighting created by a camera’s pop-up flash can really reduce the quality of your portraiture images and although there are already some purpose built diffusers on the market for D-SLRs, Micro Four Thirds users have been left with relatively little choice – until now.

Gary Fong Flash Puffer

Gary Fong’s Flash Puffer was initially designed and released to fit larger D-SLR bodies as a way of diffusing harsh and often unflattering pop-up flash lighting. Recently however, a modified version of the Puffer has been launched to cater specifically for Micro Four Thirds users.

The unit itself consists of two sections – a rounded translucent puffer diffuser and the mounting arms that hold the whole thing to the camera. It clips in place by sliding the mount arms into the hotshoe accessory port on the top-plate of the camera and with the mount in position, the diffuser can then be snapped into place at the height you need it.

Shooting with the Puffer at a focal length of 50mm provided some nice results, reducing hard shadows and glare on the surface of the skin. However, it was noted that when shooting closer to the subject at a wider angle, its effectiveness started to diminish.

Verdict

Priced at a reasonable £19.95, it’s hardly going to break the bank, and for shooting portraits at a longer focal length, it’ll certainly provide some much improved results.